O'Neill in South Africa

July 27 - August 9, 2025

E482/V482/E582/V582 - Wildlife Conservation: A Case Study in Environmental Management (3cr.)

Program Director: Glen Salmon

This three-credit hour program will focus on wildlife as a case study of South Africa's most high profile and precious resources. Students will observe management philosophies different from those practiced in the US, and will also learn about how culture and post-apartheid policies have influenced these efforts.

After attending three academic sessions and one orientation session stateside, you will travel to approximately 10 natural areas in South Africa and Swaziland, both public and private, over a 14 day period. Through these visits you will learn about techniques, such as how a safe game capture can be made, research, such as bio-monitoring in Kruger National Park, challenges, such as poaching and politics, policy, such as the concept of private game ownership, sustainability, such as establishment of protected areas, and the impacts of ecotourism and the commercialization of national parks. Topics such as working alongside the communtity, funding, and general management practices will also be covered.

IU Bloomington Undergrads: See how this course counts towards your major/minor at O'Neill here.

• A close (but not too close) view of creatures in their natural environment including elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, monkeys, and more
• Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean at Sodwana Marine Protected Area
• Stops at Kruger National Park and others as well as privately owned game reserves for a look at the public and private side of environmental management
• A local dinner and interaction with indigenous people
• A day in the bush tracking wildlife; possible game capture
• A day of bio-monitoring for reptiles and birds
• Viewing impacts of poaching, over-commercialization, etc.

All O’Neill International programs are academic, credit-bearing courses that take place abroad. As such, your bursar will be charged two amounts for participation in this program:

1. Program Fee for O’Neill in South Africa (made in two payments)
2. Tuition for the course (3 credits at your normal IU-Bloomington tuition rate)

2025 Program Fee: $3,300

The Program Fee for this program includes:

• Lodging for 2 weeks in South Africa
• Site visits and guest speakers
• Cultural excursions
• All meals
• International health insurance

The Program Fee will be charged to your IU Bloomington Bursar account in two installments:

1. A $550 non-refundable pre-payment will be charged shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
2. The remaining balance will be charged in March prior to departure

For a full breakdown of costs, please see the South Africa fee sheet.

Tuition: 3 credits paid at your IU-Bloomington tuition rate 

Students will pay for 3 credit hours of tuition based on their student status (resident/non-resident, graduate/undergraduate, etc.) on the Bloomington campus.

Additional Costs

Students will pay for their own flight to and from South Africa, and other personal incidentals. 

Scholarships

The O’Neill International Office offers several scholarships to support students studying abroad. The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award available to help O'Neill students from IUB and IUI to be able to study abroad. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Other need and merit-based scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Students are encouraged to apply widely to all scholarships they are eligible for. Please email us at oio@iu.edu if you want help navigating different funding resources.

Both undergraduate and graduate students in good standing are eligible to apply for admission. Ideal candidates should have a GPA of approximately 3.0 but all applicants in good standing will be considered. The course is open to students from any related IU department.

During the application period (November 1 - December 8) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 11:59pm on December 8. 

Please review our detailed application instructions!

If you have any issues or questions throughout the application process, contact us via email: oio@iu.edu

• Ability to Walk Long Distances Daily: Participants should be prepared to walk at least 3-5 miles each day, often in or on uneven terrain.
• Ability to Walk on Uneven Ground and Climb Stairs: Some excursions may require walking on uneven ground or cobblestones and managing multiple flights of stairs at once. A basic level of fitness is necessary.
• Ability to Handle Physically Demanding Activities: participants will engage in activities like hiking, snorkeling, or fieldwork, which require a basic level of fitness and comfort in natural environments.
• Ability to Manage Stressful Situations: Students should be able to navigate stressful situations such as crowded areas, time zone changes, language barriers, and group travel dynamics.
• Ability to Adapt to a New Culture: Willingness to embrace a different culture and step outside one’s comfort zone is essential. Students should be prepared to adapt to new customs, norms, and environments.
• Ability to Stay Calm and Focused in Unfamiliar Environments: Students may encounter unfamiliar situations such as navigating airports, public transportation, or crowded cities. The ability to stay calm and focused is important.
• Ability to Identify and Cope with Personal Stressors: Understanding one’s own stressors (e.g., travel fatigue, group dynamics) and employing coping mechanisms is essential for a smooth experience.
• Openness to Embrace Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Programs often involve group work, requiring openness to grow as a team member, listen to others, and share responsibilities.
• Willingness to Broaden Perspectives: A core part of the experience is expanding one’s worldview. Students must be willing to broaden their perspectives and learn about new cultures, even if it challenges their existing beliefs.